Yoon Begins APEC Schedule… Presidential Office Says "Overseas Trips Are Directly About People’s Livelihood"

Presidential Office "Will Present Concrete Measures for Sustainable Growth"
Efforts to Build Foundations for Future Generations... Foresees Request for 'Science and Technology' Cooperation
Discusses Cooperation Plans with Business Leaders... "Korea Emphasizes World-Class Investment Environment"

President Yoon Suk-yeol arrived in San Francisco, USA, on the 15th (local time) for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit. The Presidential Office announced, "Diplomatic visits are essentially about the people's livelihood," and predicted that President Yoon will present concrete measures at this APEC Summit to restore dynamism to the global economy and sustain growth.

President Yoon Suk-yeol, who visited the United States to attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit, is giving a greeting speech at a luncheon meeting with overseas Koreans held at a hotel in downtown San Francisco on the 15th (local time). [Image source=Yonhap News]

Kim Eun-hye, the Chief Public Relations Officer of the Presidential Office, stated in a written briefing that "the president's 2-night, 4-day schedule, during which he will carefully consider and derive cooperation measures that will practically benefit our people and economy, such as supply chain diversification and expansion of trade and investment, has now begun."

APEC Summit, launched 30 years ago in Seattle by leaders of 17 Asia-Pacific countries, has led global economic prosperity at the forefront of free trade. APEC member countries currently account for 38% of the world’s population, 62% of global GDP, and 48% of trade volume. Chief Kim noted, "The global economy is facing a complex crisis again due to the Ukraine war, the Israel-Hamas conflict, technological hegemony, and the weaponization of resources," adding, "President Yoon plans to emphasize the need to strengthen regional supply chain connectivity and build resilient supply chains to address supply chain disruptions that threaten Asia-Pacific countries."

She also highlighted the establishment of an economic cooperation foundation for future generations. Chief Kim said, "In San Francisco, the cradle of innovation, President Yoon will urge exchanges among youth and cooperation in advanced science and technology to ensure APEC’s economic strength continues into the future," further explaining, "He has consistently encouraged young scientists’ research and startups and has continuously emphasized that advanced technology is a growth engine that brings economic growth and jobs for future generations."

President Yoon Suk-yeol and his wife Kim Keon-hee, who visited the United States to attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit, are applauding at a luncheon meeting with overseas Koreans held at a hotel in downtown San Francisco on the 15th (local time).
[Image source=Yonhap News]

Specific discussions with global business leaders are also anticipated. Chief Kim stated, "Since the participation of business leaders who have led change has developed APEC into the world’s largest economic cooperation body, President Yoon will urge business leaders to take a leading role in innovation and creativity," adding, "Through various opportunities at the multilateral meetings, he will emphasize creating the world’s best investment environment so that companies can freely invest in South Korea and create quality jobs."

Additionally, President Yoon is expected to condemn illegal arms trades by Russia and North Korea at the APEC Summit and call for international cooperation. He will also highlight South Korea’s contributions to overcoming the climate crisis, the restoration of the multilateral trade system to overcome complex crises, the recovery of APEC’s leadership and solidarity among member countries, and cooperation to establish digital ethical standards.

He will engage with leaders of various countries and business leaders through the APEC CEO Summit, dialogue with the APEC Business Advisory Council, and investment signing ceremonies. On the 16th, he will attend the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) Summit led by the United States. On the 17th, he will participate in a roundtable discussion at Stanford University with Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio on cooperation in advanced technology fields among Korea, Japan, and the United States. There is also speculation that a Korea-China summit may be held in conjunction with President Yoon’s attendance at the APEC meetings.